Head of Commercial Business Development – Utility-Scale O&M

1 week ago

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa AltGen South Africa Full time R120 000 - R180 000 per year

A leading renewable energy company is seeking an experienced and commercially driven
Head of Commercial Business Development
to lead its
utility-scale O&M
portfolio in South Africa. This senior role focuses on
driving business growth, securing high-value O&M contracts, and ensuring operational and commercial excellence
across solar PV and hybrid energy projects.

The ideal candidate will combine strong business development skills with operational oversight, managing key client relationships, negotiating contracts, and ensuring the O&M business delivers both profitability and exceptional customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial & Financial Management

  • Oversee all existing O&M contracts, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations and addressing client queries
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for clients and subcontractors on commercial matters
  • Manage procurement activities, optimize costs, and drive margin improvement
  • Coordinate bank guarantees, contract escalations, and extensions
  • Prepare budgets, forecasts, and track monthly financial performance
  • Handle quotations, invoicing, and variations for special projects

Business Development

  • Develop and execute strategies to grow O&M services for internal projects and third-party solar PV and hybrid plants
  • Collaborate with project and EPC teams to align commercial objectives, pricing, and security packages
  • Negotiate and renew existing O&M contracts to maximize value
  • Lead responses to RFQs, develop commercial proposals, and actively follow up on opportunities
  • Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and pricing developments
  • Establish, grow, and maintain relationships with key clients and stakeholders

Operational Leadership Support

  • Oversee operational decision-making in collaboration with O&M teams to ensure smooth and risk-managed delivery of services
  • Maintain high safety and quality standards across all O&M activities
  • Manage onboarding and handover of new PV and hybrid plants to the O&M portfolio
  • Identify gaps and implement improvements to operational and commercial processes
  • Mentor and guide O&M team leaders to foster a high-performance culture
  • Act as the main point of contact for executive leadership on all O&M commercial matters

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree (preferable) or equivalent experience in business, technical, or management disciplines
  • At least
    10 years' experience
    in Operations & Maintenance, Asset Management, or commercial management, with
    5 years in a senior leadership role
  • Proven P&L management experience and strong financial literacy
  • Commercial negotiation skills and experience managing high-value client contracts
  • Significant experience within the South African renewable energy sector, ideally with utility-scale solar PV or hybrid projects
  • Strong understanding of O&M operations, PV plant components, HV substations, and BESS
  • Experience managing diverse, large teams both on-site and office-based
  • Business development experience in O&M services is highly desirable
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills
  • Knowledge of South African renewable energy regulations, BBBEE, ESG, and empowerment standards
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office and CRM tools

What's on Offer

  • A senior commercial leadership role driving
    utility-scale O&M business growth
    and operational excellence
  • Full responsibility for
    P&L, business development, and client relationships
  • Opportunity to make a significant impact on renewable energy adoption in South Africa
  • Competitive remuneration package with performance-based incentives
  • Hybrid working options and a supportive, professional environment

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